By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information
Auburn Hills, MI---The No. 15 Express volleyball team swept their two matches in the Oakland Quad on Tuesday - including a five set upset of No. 2 Oakland Community College.
In their first matchup, the Express defeated Muskegon 25-23, 25-16, 17-25, 26-28, 15-10. After dropping the third and fourth sets, the Express came out on fire in the fifth set to close out the Jayhawks. They held leads of 4-0, 8-1 and 11-4 before winning it.
After a break, the Express came out flat against No. 2 Oakland as they dropped the first set 25-17. Oakland continued their push in the second set as they jumped out to a 7-1 lead. The Express rallied, though, and took their first lead at 13-12 before winning 25-22 to even it up.
Oakland, once again, started strong and took the early lead in set three. This time, however, they were able to withstand an Express rally and take a close set 25-23.
The Express then won the fourth set 25-19. In the fifth, the match was back and forth until halfway through. With the match tied at seven, the Express outscored Oakland 8-3 to win 15-10.
Notes
- Oakland had defeated the Express in the Region XII District E championship game last year, and the Raiders went on to finish as the NJCAA D-II national runner-up. It was the first time the two teams had met since then.
- Owens completed a season sweep of Muskegon after defeating the Jayhawks in four sets on Aug. 24.
- Tuesday's matches were played in the brand new Oakland CC Physical Education Building.
- The Express (5-1) will open up their home schedule this weekend in the Owens Invitational. They take on No. 6 Iowa Central Community College at 1:45 p.m. and No. 12 Pasco-Hernando Community College at 7 p.m. on Friday. You can see the full slate on the volleyball schedule page.
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| Bailey Windham sets the ball for Jazmine Thomas in the match against No. 2 Oakland CC. Photo courtesy of Nicholas Huenefeld |
